Chapter 23: Whispers Beneath The Light
The mysterious man spoke once again, his voice calm but laced with something almost otherworldly. "Since you know nothing about our organization, let me tell you. We give our cards only to certain individuals who are capable of digesting the information we provide—and who can give us valuable information in return. Our clients are ranked based on the card they are given. As you can see, Young Master Valen has a shadow imprinted on his card, which indicates it is a second-grade card."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"Now let me explain the ranks to you. There are three primary grades:
Basic Grade: These are our most common clients. They can access the standard privileges provided by us. They aren't particularly special, though still trusted. There are around one hundred Basic Grade cardholders throughout Altara.
Shadow Grade: Individuals who hold this grade are considered important figures in their respective fields. They have access to information even most royals of the four kingdoms, who are not affiliated with us, cannot obtain. They may also receive rare elixirs in exchange for sensitive information. There are only about twenty cardholders of this grade, including Young Mistress Selene, Dean Ollivier, Grandson Marcus, Young Master Valen, Young Master Albrecht, and Second Prince Gracian Alexander August.
Dark Sky Grade: The highest classification, reserved for those who rule or influence the fate of Altara itself. Holders of this grade can acquire nearly any information, resources, or materials from us, granted they provide information of equal importance. Only nine individuals currently possess this grade."
The cloaked figure studied Marcus and Alexander. "Now, since both of you are bound to become representatives of your generation, we will provide you with Basic Grade cards for now. But know this—your rank may change depending on what you provide to us in the future."
After finishing his sentence, both Marcus and Alexander were struck silent, shocked by how little they truly knew about the world's undercurrents. Alexander, ever the curious one, finally broke the silence.
"So how did my little brother get a Shadow Grade card, while I didn't? And I couldn't help but notice—Hurricane Master Michael and Dean Ollivier share the same surname. At the end of the First Phase, they exchanged glances like there was tension between them. I want to know what happened. As far as I know, Michael was a commoner. How did he get a Shadow Grade card with no background?"
Hearing those words, the mysterious man's expression remained unreadable, but his tone grew more serious.
"You do have a sharp mind, Prince. If you truly wish to know, then I will tell you. Michael was able to obtain a Shadow Grade card because he was the one who exposed the actions committed by your family—and by Dean Ollivier. He came to us, at great personal risk, and revealed details of a tragedy that most have forgotten or were made to forget."
Alexander's brow furrowed. "You mean the incident at the Imperial Academy? Seven years ago?"
"Indeed," the man replied. "The explosion that claimed the lives of over thirty students, all professors, and nearly five thousand workers, guards, and maids. The incident was blamed on a chain reaction between forbidden materials and dragon blood. But the truth is far darker."
Marcus's fists clenched as memories flooded back.
"At the time," the man continued, "Dean Ollivier was not yet a dean. He was a retired soldier from a special unit that reported directly to the imperial family. He had served in the academy for years, but he desired power. The Emperor promised to appoint him as dean—on the condition that he silence everyone who knew the truth."
Alexander's voice trembled. "The resurrection of the Ruler of the Underworld... Hades... and the apostles."
The man nodded slowly. "Correct. Every professor present during that time knew. Including Michael's parents. They were scholars who discovered evidence of the forbidden ritual the imperial family had started to pursue. Michael survived. Barely. He was a child then, hiding in the lower archives when the explosion occurred. He saw everything. He heard the emperor's voice over the enchanted com-lines."
The room grew colder. Even Valen's usual calm demeanor had turned stormy.
"Michael has always known the truth," the man said. "He joined your academy not for prestige—but for justice."
Marcus's eyes narrowed. "And he told you this... willingly?"
"Yes," the man replied. "He had no other choice. He needed allies who could ensure his survival. That is how he obtained his card."
Alexander staggered backward, overwhelmed by the revelation. The very institution that trained him was built on the blood of innocents.
Valen finally spoke, his voice laced with quiet fury. "The empire... it has rotted to its core. No one is untouched."
The man stepped closer. "That is why your mission here is more important than you know. This city, this empire—it's only one piece of the puzzle. But the deeper you dig, the more dangerous it becomes."
He handed them two pitch-black cards etched with silver runes.
"These are your keys. Use them wisely. And remember: every whisper carries weight. And every truth has a price."
The three stepped out of the hidden tower, the light of day unable to erase the shadows they now carried.
The mission had truly begun.
But so had the unraveling of everything they thought they knew.